New 12.9-inch iPad Pro faces compatibility issues with the older Magic Keyboard
- The older version of Magic Keyboard does not work with the new 12.9-inch (5th-generation) iPad Pro.
- This is simply due to a 0.5mm increase in the thickness of the model.
- The increased thickness results in improper fitting of the iPad Pro with the Magic Keyboard.
Last Tuesday, Apple unveiled the next-generation of iPad Pro lineup at its Spring Loaded event. Alongside this new iPad Pro lineup, they also showcased a new Magic Keyboard — now also available in a white color. While the smaller variant of Magic Keyboard is readily available for the 11-inch iPad Pro (as long as you get the Black variant), the one designed specifically for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (5th generation) has been postponed.
According to iGeneration, the older version of 12.9-inch Magic Keyboard isn't compatible with the new 12.9-inch (5th generation) iPad Pro and hence, it requires a new Magic Keyboard. This is mainly due to slight change in the dimensions of the newly announced 12.9-inch iPad Pro. Although the new 12.9-inch (5th generation) iPad Pro is identical to its predecessors when it comes to height and width, it does stand out at one point — the thickness. This new 12.9-inch model is thicker, precisely by 0.5mm.
While the 2021 12.9-inch iPad Pro is broadly similar to the 2018 and 2020 models, the new tablet stands out on one point: it’s thicker, at precisely 0.5mm. It might not sound like much, but it’s enough for Apple to adjust its Magic Keyboard, the iPad Pro’s dedicated trackpad keyboard. And according to the documentation provided to the Apple Stores that we have been able to consult, the old Magic Keyboard is not compatible with the large iPad Pros of 2021.
The main reason behind this increase in the thickness of the 12.9-inch model is- the new Liquid Retina XDR display. This new display features the mini-LED technology with over 10,000 mini-LEDs used in the panel for a much higher brightness, greater contrast and a greater control of localized backlighting compared to traditional LCD tech thanks to the use of local dimming zones. This even led in achieving a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio on the device, simultaneously with less power consumption.
Now this 0.5mm of minimal increase in the thickness may not sound like a very big deal, but it's enough for this new 12.9-inch model to not close properly with the older Magic Keyboard.
As pointed by iGeneration:
The problem is, once closed, the Magic Keyboard grips the tablet pretty tight. Apple has not left a millimeter of leeway, because the accessory must hold the iPad in place and prevent it from falling to the bottom of a bag or worse, on the asphalt if you move the set without other protection. But with that extra half a millimeter on the 2021 generation, maybe this very precise fit is a problem and the device had to be redesigned.
This led to the creation of a new Magic Keyboard specifically for the 12.9-inch (5th generation) iPad Pro with slight re-adjustments. However, Apple's websites states that this new Magic Keyboard is compatible with the third and fourth generation 12.9-inch iPad Pros.
Regardless, the same doesn’t apply to the 11-inch model, as it is totally identical to its predecessors. Hence, the new 11-inch (4th generation) iPad Pro remains compatible with previous generation Magic Keyboards.
Recommended by the editors:
Thank you for visiting Apple Scoop! As a dedicated independent news organization, we strive to deliver the latest updates and in-depth journalism on everything Apple. Have insights or thoughts to share? Drop a comment below—our team actively engages with and responds to our community. Return to the home page.Published to Apple Scoop on 25th April, 2021.
No password required
A confirmation request will be delivered to the email address you provide. Once confirmed, your comment will be published. It's as simple as two clicks.
Your email address will not be published publicly. Additionally, we will not send you marketing emails unless you opt-in.